Temperature Alert Device for Cryopreservation

Abstract

A temperature alert device to warn of imminent devitrification due to warming of a biological specimen that uses shape memory materials. The temperature induced phase transformation of shape memory materials causes a temperature responsive actuator to extend an alert rod upon warming as the specimen temperature approaches the devitrification temperature (e.g. −130° C.). The temperature alert device is automatically reset upon immersion in liquid nitrogen.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001]This application is a continuation in part of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 12 / 267,794 filed on Nov. 10, 2008 entitled “Vitrification Device with Shape Memory Seal”. Said nonprovisional application is incorporated herein by reference.[0002]Said U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 12 / 267,794, in turn, is a continuation in part of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 12 / 267,708, filed on Nov. 10, 2008 entitled “Shape-Shifting Vitrification Device”. Said nonprovisional application is incorporated herein by reference.[0003]Said nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 12 / 267,708, in turn, claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application entitled “Shape Memory Vitrification Cryocontainer”, Ser. No. 60 / 987,110 filed on Nov. 12, 2007. Said provisional application is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0004]This invention is in the field of devices for the cryopreservation of biologi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a vitrification cryocontainer with a temperature alert device. This device uses shape memory materials to alert the user when there is a risk of the sample warming and causing damage. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a visual alert to the user to prevent damage to the sample during cryo-storage.

Problems solved by technology

Slow-freeze is effective in cells with low water content, such as embryos and sperm, but does not perform as well in high water content cells, such as oocytes and blastocysts.

This deficiency, high equipment cost, and the high consumption of time have lead to the development of an alternative cryopreservation method called vitrification.

Vitrification media, however, contain higher levels of CPA than slow-freeze media and are toxic to cells except in the vitreous state.

However, if the biological specimen in inadvertently warmed to above the glass transition temperature (“Tg”) of the vitrification media, devitrification can occur.

Devitrification leads to unwanted damaging ice crystal formation.

If during this excursion, the temperature of the biological specimen rises above Tg, there is a risk of devitrification.

During long-term storage, they may be taken out of LN2 and be at risk for devitrification due to an inattentive user.

None of these devices include a temperature alert feature that alerts the user to a cryocontainer that has warmed to a dangerous temperature.

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